Samuel “Sammy” Blais, born June 17, 1996, is a dynamic Canadian professional ice hockey forward who has showcased his skills on several prestigious platforms. Blais, who is currently associated with the St Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (NHL), was initially drafted by the same team in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, ranking 176th overall. His versatile career has also witnessed him wearing the jersey of the New York Rangers.
Before stepping into the professional world, Blais honed his skills in the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League (QMAAA) playing for Trois-Rivières Estacades and Lévis Commandeurs. His time in the QMAAA led him to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he alternated his skills between the Commandeurs and the Victoriaville Tigres. His consistent performances soon grabbed the attention of the St. Louis Blues, who selected him in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Post his drafting, Blais spent three prolific seasons with the QMJHL, ending his stint there with the Charlottetown Islanders. He then transitioned to professional hockey with the Chicago Wolves during the 2016-17 season. Mirroring his junior success, Blais’ rookie year witnessed the Wolves making it to the postseason, leading to his NHL debut on October 14, 2017. His journey in the NHL has seen him bouncing between the San Antonio Rampage and St. Louis, a movement so frequent that it humorously earned the moniker ‘Sammy Blais Expressway.’
As an integral part of the Blues, Blais played a pivotal role in the team securing their first-ever Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2019. Despite the ups and downs, Sammy Blais remains a potent force in the world of professional ice hockey, leaving a unique mark wherever he skates.
Table of Contents
Bio/Wiki Table
| Name | Sammy Blais |
|---|---|
| Born | June 17, 1996 (age 27) |
| Place of Birth | Montmagny, Quebec, Canada |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) |
| Position | Left wing |
| Shoots | Left |
| NHL Team | St. Louis Blues |
| Former Teams | New York Rangers |
| National Team | Canada |
| NHL Draft | 176th overall, 2014 |
| Playing Career | 2016–present |
Early Life
Blais grew up in Montmagny, Quebec, and was born on June 17, 1996. His parents are Sébastien and Marie-Josée, and he has two siblings named Étienne and Florence. His older brother, Étienne, is also involved in hockey and previously played for the Montmagny Décor Mercier in the Ligue Hockey Côte-Sud.
During his childhood, Blais played summer hockey alongside Daniel Sprong, who would later become an NHL player. They were teammates until they reached the age of 10 or 11 years old. This early experience with Sprong likely contributed to Blais’ development as a hockey player.
Sammy Blais Age: How Old Is Sammy Blais?
Sammy Blais, a notable figure in the world of hockey, was born on June 17, 1996. This makes him 27 years old as of the current year 2023. As a player who has made significant strides in his career at a relatively young age, Blais continues to captivate fans and sports enthusiasts alike with his impressive performance and drive on the ice.
Sammy Blais Height: How Tall is Sammy Blais?
Sammy Blais, also known as Samuel Blais, is a professional ice hockey player known for his remarkable skills and physical attributes. Standing at an impressive height of 6’2″ (188 cm), Blais possesses a commanding presence on the ice. His height allows him to have a significant reach and a strong advantage in battles along the boards. With his tall stature, Blais can effectively create scoring opportunities and contribute to his team’s success.
Sammy Blais Weight: How Much Does Sammy Blais Weigh?
In addition to his height, Sammy Blais maintains a weight of 205 lbs (93 kg). This weight provides him with the necessary power and strength to excel in the physical aspects of the game. Blais’s robust physique enables him to deliver impactful body checks, protect the puck effectively, and compete for position against opponents. His weight, combined with his agility and speed, allows him to be a formidable force on the ice, making him a valuable asset to his team.
Sammy Blais Nationality & Ethnicity
Sammy Blais hails from Montmagny, Quebec, Canada, and is proudly of Canadian nationality. Born on June 17, 1996, Blais represents the rich hockey heritage of his home country. Canada has a strong tradition of producing exceptional hockey players, and Blais is no exception. He has honed his skills and risen through the ranks, earning recognition for his talent and contributions to the sport.
Furthermore, Sammy Blais’s nationality aligns with his Quebecois roots, as he was born in the province of Quebec. This indicates his connection to the French-Canadian culture and heritage. Blais’s family names also reflect his French ancestry, adding to the cultural and ethnic aspect of his identity. His background and upbringing contribute to his unique perspective and approach to the game, and he proudly represents both Canada and the French-Canadian community on the international stage.
Playing & Professional Career
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Sammy Blais commenced his junior ice hockey journey with the Rive-Sud Express in Quebec. His noteworthy performance involved 10 goals coupled with 16 assists in 23 regular-season games. He participated in the 2008 and 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments, representing Rive-Sud Est and later Rimouski. Despite initially struggling to make the transition to AAA midget in 2012, Blais eventually caught the attention of Frédéric Lavoie, general manager of Trois-Rivières Estacades, leading to his signing. The 2012-13 season saw him playing with Trois-Rivieres, scoring 16 goals and 24 assists, crucial in qualifying them for the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League (QMAAA) playoffs.
An Unexpected Draft and a Rising Star
Blais was originally drafted 129th overall by the Victoriaville Tigres in the 2013 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft. However, he was reassigned to the Commandeurs after training camp. Despite his moderate height of 5’9″, Blais was acknowledged for his undeniable potential. Subsequent to splitting the 2013-14 season between the Commandeurs and the Tigres, he was chosen by the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft in the sixth round. Interestingly, Blais learned of his selection through Twitter and impressed the coaches during the Blues’ Development Camp, earning him an invitation to their September training camp.
Career Highs and Transition into Professional Hockey
The 2014-15 season saw Blais rejoining the Tigres, where he posted a career high of 82 points in 61 games. Despite their playoff loss, Blais signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the St. Louis Blues’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. However, he was released from his contract and later attended the Blues’ Prospect Camp in July. His final junior season with the Tigres led the team in scoring, and by November 14, 2015, Blais signed a three-year entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues. Blais continued to score prolifically with the Charlottetown Islanders, leading the Islanders to the QMJHL Quarter-finals.
St. Louis Blues and the Birth of a Professional
Blais began his professional career with the St. Louis Blues, assigned to the AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, for the 2016-17 season. He led the Wolves in scoring, assisting the team to qualify for the 2017 Calder Cup playoffs. Despite demonstrating a strong performance at the Blues training camp, Blais was among the final cuts and was reassigned to begin the season with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL. His first NHL call-up came after playing two games with the Rampage, marking his NHL debut on October 14, 2017, against the Tampa Bay Lightning. His oscillation between the San Antonio Rampage and St. Louis Blues throughout the season led to the humorous coinage of the term “Sammy Blais Expressway”.
The Stanley Cup Victory and Beyond
After impressing during the St. Louis Blues training camp, Blais made it to the Blues’ opening night roster for the 2018-19 season. He alternated between the AHL and NHL, contributing to the Blues qualifying for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Blues eventually won the 2019 Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins, marking the first Stanley Cup in St. Louis’ franchise history. Blais continued to impress in the subsequent 2019-20 season, playing alongside David Perron and Ryan O’Reilly on the top line. After recovering from wrist surgery and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he signed a two-year, $3 million contract extension with the Blues. However, he was suspended for two games in the 2020-21 season for illegally checking Devon Toews’s head.
Transition to the New York Rangers
Blais was traded to the New York Rangers on July 23, 2021, along with a 2022 second-round pick, in exchange for Pavel Buchnevich. His tenure with the Rangers was cut short due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after a collision with P. K. Subban, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2021-22 season.
A Comeback to the St. Louis Blues
On February 9, 2023, Blais made a return to the Blues as part of a package for former teammates Niko Mikkola and Vladimir Tarasenko. This marked a significant milestone in his career, and on March 2, Blais was signed to a one-year contract extension with the Blues, signaling an exciting new chapter in his career.
Sammy Blais Stats
Sammy Blais, an acclaimed ice hockey player, boasts a dynamic career filled with outstanding performances. With a solid debut in the 2017-2018 season with the St. Louis Blues, he demonstrated his capabilities as a valuable asset on the ice. Despite facing several challenges, he managed to maintain a steady growth curve in his performance, making significant contributions to his team’s success over the years.
Blais’ stats not only highlight his scoring capabilities but also his ability to assist and influence games in critical moments, making him a strong player in any team formation. His career statistics paint a vivid picture of his skills and accomplishments over the years.
Debut Season with St. Louis Blues: 2017-2018
Sammy Blais began his NHL journey in the 2017-2018 season with the St. Louis Blues, playing a total of 11 games. His inaugural season showcased his potential, with a tally of 1 goal and 2 assists, summing up to 3 points.
His performance resulted in a positive +/- rating of 1, indicating his time on the ice was generally beneficial to the Blues. However, his penalty minutes (PIM) amounted to 6, reflecting his struggle to fully adapt to the NHL’s competitive environment.
He managed to score a power-play goal (PPG) and a power-play point (PPP) each, with no short-handed goals (SHG) or points (SHP). While he didn’t score any game-winning goals (GWG) or overtime goals (OTG), Blais maintained an impressive shot percentage of 11.11%, making 9 shots throughout the season, but his face-off percentage (FO%) remained at 0.
Growing Confidence: 2018-2019
For the 2018-2019 season, Blais played 32 games, recording 2 goals and 2 assists, leading to a total of 4 points. Despite a slight negative +/- rating of -1, his penalty minutes remained consistent at 6. Blais was unable to contribute any power-play goals or points and didn’t score any short-handed goals or points. His shooting percentage dipped to 7.41%, from 27 shots made, but a surprising uptick was observed in his face-off percentage, landing at 50%.
A Prolific Season: 2019-2020
The 2019-2020 season saw Blais play a larger role with the Blues, participating in 40 games. He improved his performance by scoring 6 goals and making 7 assists, tallying 13 points in total. His +/- rating slipped further into the negatives with -2, and his penalty minutes increased to 20. While Blais didn’t score any power-play or short-handed goals or points, he marked his first career game-winning goal. He made a total of 56 shots, maintaining a decent shooting percentage of 10.7%.
An Impressive Stride: 2020-2021
In the 2020-2021 season, Blais increased his productivity, amassing 8 goals and 7 assists in 36 games, leading to 15 points. He kept his +/- rating neutral at 0, but penalty minutes slightly decreased to 12. Again, no contributions were made in power-play or short-handed goals or points, but he scored two game-winning goals. From 31 shots, he had an astonishing shooting percentage of 25.8%, and his face-off percentage jumped significantly to 75%.
Transition to New York Rangers: 2021-2022 & 2022-2023
During the 2021-2022 season, Blais transitioned to the New York Rangers. He played 14 games without scoring any goals but assisted four times. His +/- rating improved to 3, but his penalty minutes rose to 17. In the 2022-2023 season, he played 40 games for the Rangers, scoring no goals but assisting five times, with a +/- rating of 1 and 8 penalty minutes. Over these two seasons, Blais didn’t score any power-play or short-handed goals or points and had no game-winning or overtime goals. His shooting percentage was 0 from a total of 48 shots, and his face-off percentages were 20% and 16.67% respectively.
Return to St. Louis Blues: 2022-2023
Blais made a triumphant return to the Blues in the latter part of the 2022-2023 season, playing 31 games and scoring 9 goals with 11 assists. This performance marked his highest point total of 20 in a single season, with a positive +/- rating of 3 and 22 penalty minutes. He scored his first short-handed point and one game-winning goal. His shooting percentage from 39 shots was a remarkable 23.1%, with a face-off percentage at 100%.
Career Summary
As of 2023, Blais has played 204 games in his career, scoring 26 goals and assisting 38 times, amounting to 64 points. His +/- rating stands at 5, with 91 penalty minutes. He has contributed 1 power-play goal and 2 power-play points, with no short-handed goals but one short-handed point. He has scored 4 game-winning goals with no overtime goals, and his total shooting percentage stands at 12.4% with a face-off percentage of 38.9%.
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | P | +/- | PIM | PPG | PPP | SHG | SHP | GWG | OTG | S | S% | FO% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | STL | 11 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 11.11 | 0 |
| 2018-2019 | STL | 32 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 7.41 | 50 |
| 2019-2020 | STL | 40 | 6 | 7 | 13 | -2 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 56 | 10.7 | 0 |
| 2020-2021 | STL | 36 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 25.8 | 75 |
| 2021-2022 | NYR | 14 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 20 |
| 2022-2023 | NYR | 40 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 31 | 0 | 16.67 |
| 2022-2023 | STL | 31 | 9 | 11 | 20 | 3 | 22 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 39 | 23.1 | 100 |
| Career | – | 204 | 26 | 38 | 64 | 5 | 91 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 210 | 12.4 | 38.9 |
Sammy Blais Trade News
Recently, a significant change has occurred in the National Hockey League (NHL). The St. Louis Blues made a savvy move, acquiring Sammy Blais from the New York Rangers. This trade was part of a broader agreement that also involved the Dallas Stars.
In the exchange, the Blues sent Vladimir Tarasenko and Niko Mikkola to New York. Moreover, the Blues managed to secure a first-round pick (No. 29) from the Rangers, adding to their draft arsenal for the future. This pick was initially owned by the Dallas Stars but ended up with the Blues via this trade.
Furthermore, this trade also resulted in the Blues receiving a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, reinforcing their long-term plans. This pick further strengthens the Blues’ position, providing them with an opportunity to bring in new talent in the coming years.
On a related note, the Blues have been involved in other strategic trades as well. They received a first-round pick (No. 25) from the Toronto Maple Leafs and a third-round pick (No. 76) from the Ottawa Senators. This deal involved sending Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari to Toronto. Additionally, the Blues also obtained a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft from this trade, further enhancing their draft prospects.
In conclusion, these trades have been instrumental in reshaping the Blues’ roster, providing them with fresh talent like Sammy Blais and a host of draft picks to ensure their competitiveness in the future
Sammy Blais Injury & Return
The return of Sammy Blais to professional ice hockey has been nothing short of dramatic. A season-ending knee injury had sidelined the promising 26-year-old player, initiating a lengthy hiatus from the sport that extended to 337 painstaking days. An unfortunate collision with P.K. Subban at the Garden culminated in this setback, depriving Blais of his projected position in the opening night lineup. However, this detour was not enough to dampen Blais’ spirit, as he showcased a commendable resilience while confronting further challenges during his recovery.
The Injury and Early Recovery
Blais was dealt a hard blow when an upper-body injury during the final exhibition game led to a temporary halt in his journey back to the ice. Despite this discouraging development, Blais maintained a positive attitude throughout his rehabilitation period, focusing on his return rather than his setbacks.
Blais’ Reintroduction to the Team
Stepping into the shoes of Ryan Carpenter, who was nursing an injury behind his left ear, Blais was tasked with playing on the right side of the third line with Filip Chytil and Jimmy Vesey. Eager to contribute to his team’s efforts, Blais was particularly enthusiastic about creating space for his line mates.
The Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Gerard Gallant played an empathetic role in Blais’ recovery, understanding the young player’s frustration while ensuring his return to the ice was not precipitous. The coach prioritized Blais’ long-term wellbeing, insisting that the winger only return to play when he felt at his physical best.
Blais’ Resurgence Post-Injury
Blais marked his return to the game by exhibiting sterling performance on the ice. During the World Championship with Team Canada, Blais managed to become a prominent figure on the ice, even when he lost his cellphone. This unexpected incident inadvertently sharpened his focus on the game, leading him to tie for fourth place with six goals, two of which were decisive in securing the championship game.
Performance after Trade and World Championship Contributions
Despite being traded back to the Blues from the Rangers, Blais continued his high-level performance. He had nine goals and 20 points in 31 games following the trade, which displayed his resilience and tenacity. During the World Championship, his contribution was crucial in the gold medal game against Germany, with his goal proving to be the winning shot.
Leadership and Pressure Handling
Throughout the tournament, Blais demonstrated his leadership qualities and ability to thrive under pressure. He earned player-of-the-game honors and a Tissot watch for his two-goal performance in the championship game. However, Blais stated that the gold medal brought him more satisfaction.
Career Highlights and Future Prospects
Now a Stanley Cup champion with the Blues and a gold medalist at 27, Blais seems to be in the prime of his career. He has fully capitalized on opportunities offered by Armstrong, the Blues GM, particularly in leading the club with 15.78 hits per 60 minutes among players with five-plus games. Blais’ journey illustrates his capacity for recovery and adaptability, setting a promising tone for his future career.
Sammy Blais Contract & Salary Details
Sammy Blais, the remarkable player making a significant impact on the ice for the St. Louis Blues, has a contract that matches his performance. The 27-year-old has signed a lucrative contract that guarantees his services for a year with the Blues. The terms of the contract reflect the organization’s confidence in his talent and dedication to the sport.
Terms of the Contract
Blais inked a one-year deal worth $1,000,000 with the St. Louis Blues. This agreement includes a full guarantee of $1,000,000, meaning regardless of circumstances, Blais is assured of this amount. Therefore, he is expected to receive an annual average salary of $1,000,000.
Salary Details for 2023-24
In the 2023-24 season, Blais will reap the fruits of his hard work with a base salary of $1,000,000. Despite there being no signing bonus or additional incentives detailed in his contract, Blais’ earnings are substantial. On top of that, his salary comes with a cap hit of $1,000,000, accounting for approximately 1.32% of the team’s total salary cap.
Post-Contract Scenario
Following the expiration of his current deal in 2024, Blais will advance into a pivotal phase of his career as a 28-year-old unrestricted free agent. This status grants him the freedom to negotiate with any team, potentially opening the door for an even more profitable contract, depending on his performance in the upcoming season.
Sammy Blais Net Worth
As of 2023, Sammy Blais, the professional ice hockey player, has an estimated net worth of approximately $5 million. His net worth is reflective of the earnings he has gathered throughout his successful career in the sport.
Sammy Blais Wife, Girlfriend, Girlfriend & Relationship Status
Sammy Blais, a renowned name in the world of ice hockey, has been able to amass a fair share of fame for his professional career. However, his personal life has remained relatively private. Despite the public’s growing curiosity about the athlete’s relationships and family life, only limited details have been disclosed so far.
As of now, Sammy Blais is not involved in any romantic relationship. He’s currently single and isn’t dating anyone. It’s also noteworthy that there’s little to no information available about his past relationships or any previous engagements.
When it comes to family, details about Sammy Blais’ family life are also scarce. There’s no available information about his parents, siblings, or if he has any children. As of current records, he does not have any children.
To sum up, Sammy Blais has kept his personal life under wraps, allowing him to maintain a clear boundary between his professional and private life. With his current focus seemingly devoted to his flourishing career in ice hockey, fans and admirers are left eagerly awaiting any glimpses into his life off the rink.
Sammy Blais FAQs
How many games has Sammy Blais played in his career up until the 2022-2023 season?
Sammy Blais has played a total of 204 games in his career up until the 2022-2023 season.
What is the highest number of goals Sammy Blais has scored in a single season?
Sammy Blais scored the highest number of goals in a single season, 9 goals, in the 2022-2023 season with the St. Louis Blues.
How many assists has Blais made in his career so far?
Blais has made a total of 38 assists in his career until the end of the 2022-2023 season.
What was Blais’ shooting percentage (S%) in the 2020-2021 season?
Blais’ shooting percentage was remarkably high at 25.8% during the 2020-2021 season.
How many game-winning goals (GWG) has Blais scored in his career?
As of the end of the 2022-2023 season, Sammy Blais has scored 4 game-winning goals in his career.
How many points has Blais accumulated throughout his career?
Sammy Blais has accumulated a total of 64 points throughout his career up until the end of the 2022-2023 season.
Which team was Sammy Blais playing for when he achieved his highest points in a season
Blais achieved his highest points in a season (20 points) in the 2022-2023 season while playing for the St. Louis Blues.
Is Sammy Blais currently in a relationship?
No, Sammy Blais is not currently in a relationship. He is single and there is no public information available about him dating anyone.
Has Sammy Blais been previously engaged or in any past relationships?
As of the latest information, there’s no available detail about Sammy Blais’ past relationships or any previous engagements.
Does Sammy Blais have any children?
No, according to available records, Sammy Blais does not have any children.
Who are Sammy Blais’ parents and siblings?
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available information about Sammy Blais’ parents or siblings.
Why is there so little information about Sammy Blais’ personal life?
Sammy Blais appears to keep his personal life private, focusing public attention primarily on his professional ice hockey career. This has resulted in limited available information about his personal and family life.
